Mod-Dog Blog

We’re proud to feature Jessica Marianiello / Stray Dog Arts as the next fabulous featured pet artist interview. Find out more about how she works, and how art and animals have touched her life.

How did you get started making portraits of pets?
That is one question that never loses its luster for me because I am constantly noticing another detail of my life that has led me to this work, however unexpectedly. Although I have a degree in art, I also have a BFA and MA in English. My original intention in life was to teach university level writing. I’ve always been a very focused and driven person, but just before completing my English degree I realized that I no longer wanted to work in an academic environment. This was a very disorienting realization for me. Sometimes letting go of the expectations we place on ourselves can be the hardest thing of all. But one day I was outside shoveling snow and asked myself: “What makes me happiest?” My answer to myself was quick and clear: Dogs and Art. A few weeks later I planned for an exhibition and began a series of dog portraits focusing on the dogs in my neighborhood. The show was an outrageous success—and I guess you could say that the rest is history. I call it “The Snowball Effect.” I’ve been swept off of my feet by the dogs I paint and every day I begin to understand a little bit more clearly how each detail of my life has led me to this work. I fall in love with every dog I paint—I mean, really in love. I feel beyond blessed to be creating from such a deep place. Painting dogs is an endeavor that found me by accident—an accident that I’m grateful for every single day.

What makes your work unique? What is your specialty?
I am often told that there is something in the eyes that makes my portraits stand out. The eyes, the subtlety of a posture, the combinations of light and color—these are all things that create personality and mood. As an artist and dog lover it is very important to me that I capture the unique spirit of each animal I paint. I want people to look at my dog portraits and see a personality, an essence that is just as visible, important, and valuable as any human’s. Dogs are incredibly intelligent and sensitive beings—and each one comes with their own personality. This is something that I both honor and strive to capture with each portrait that I paint. I define my style as “loose realism,” which is a term I made up. I consider my work to be both urban and contemporary, but not limited to any of the terms I might throw at it. However one might define my work, I get most excited about the portraits that capture something real.

Do you work with local clients mainly, or beyond your immediate region?
I work both nationally and internationally, but the work I enjoy the most is local. It is very exciting to ship a portrait off to Spain or Australia, New York or California, but I truly love the process of being able to meet the dogs I paint, do my own photo shoot (which allows me more artistic freedom), and the opportunity to witness the reaction of my clients when I deliver their painting. This might sound bad, but there is nothing more gratifying that seeing someone burst into tears when they see their dog’s portrait for the very first time. There is no bigger compliment!

I am currently working on a series of nearly 30 dogs—all from one particular neighborhood of Linden Hills, Minneapolis, MN. Being aware of my sense of place is something that is really important to me. This series is a reflection of community, but the most amazing thing for me is how profoundly this project has deepened my connection to that particular community and to the city I live in (and now this is the part where I burst into tears!).

Although I love working locally, there is also something intensely satisfying about painting animals that live on the other side of the country or the world or even those that are with us only in memory. By the time I am done with a portrait, I feel like I know that animal just as well as if I had met them in person. It is a weird and wonderful phenomenon. A connection happens—no matter how near or far away my clients and their dogs might live.

What are the steps involved in a pet portrait commission
The first step is to contact me. I send a price list and, since I work from photo, I invite you to begin sending photos and/or schedule a photo shoot at your earliest convenience. A 50% nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve a place on the waiting list. The remaining amount, plus shipping (when applicable), is due when the painting is completed. Currently, I have over 40 portraits on the list. I put a lot of time, energy, and love into every single painting and, since I’m usually booked several months into the future, your deposit ensures that your pet’s portrait will be completed as soon as possible. Together, we decide on an image and size that works best for your dog, your wallet, and your walls. I’ll admit, I LOVE painting big! It gives the paint room to express itself. Although I don’t share images of a work in progress, I really enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the project’s journey. Every portrait is a journey—and I love being able to involve everyone in that process. You can read more about commissioning a portrait here.

Any special anecdotes to share about a favorite work or favorite client?
One of my favorite “clients” is a rescued dog named Ode (pronounced O-Day, meaning “heart” in Ojibwe). Ode was just a puppy when she was found with both of her ears burned off. Her horrific (and all too common) story of torture touched me in a very deep way. I was introduced to her during a photo shoot in preparation for a painting that I did to raise money for animal rescue. Meeting Ode changed everything for me. She has opened up doors and windows and friendships and opportunities that have opened up my work in so many ways. In the process of photographing Ode, I also met Ella, another rescued pup who was being fostered alongside Ode. That was the day I decided to adopt Ella. I was not expecting to adopt any more dogs. After all, I already had 2 big dogs and 2 cats! I refer to Ella as my “occupational hazard.” But she’s an occupational hazard that I am head over heels in love with. I named her Ella after Eleanor Roosevelt, the wise woman who once said: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Ella reminds me to Be Brave every day. She reminds me of Ode. She reminds me of hope. She reminds me of what we are capable of when we take risks and allow ourselves care.

What has been the highlight of your work as an artist so far?
This is such a tough question! The list is long and made up of many small wonders. I think the biggest highlight of my work as an artist has been in finding a way to paint what I love most in this world—and to be able to support myself in doing it! Becoming a full time artist through this love was an unexpected turn that still feels unbelievable to me. The highlights of my work are numerous and include painting with my own sleeping dogs at my feet, working with the most incredible people, and being able to sit down at an easel with my paint brushes and fall in love on a daily basis. There are little things happening on a regular basis that fill, inspire, and energize me. This is something that I never take for granted. I must say, however, that the biggest highlight of my work as an animal lover has been in realizing that we (each and every single one of us) is capable of making a difference. For me, that means finding ways to use my art to help benefit animals in need. This work means everything to me—and I am grateful every day to be doing it. If job satisfaction can be considered a highlight then I am lucky, indeed!

Contact Info:
jessie@straydogarts.com
www.straydogarts.com
www.straydogarts.etsy.com
612.532.9084 (North America only, please).